Station XV: Episode 166 — Attack, Assisted Dying, Afghanistan, Activity
The terror attack on an Auckland supermarket leads this month’s episode, with the New Zealand bishops condemning the attack, praying for the injured victims and urging the pursuit of peace. Across the Tasman in Australia, faith-based health care workers are worried about the impact that assisted dying laws will have on them, while back in New Zealand, support is being sought for incoming Afghan refugees. In the United States, the bishops are calling for more civility in public discourse. After another heavy show, maybe we need some time to kick back and relax. Foosball, anyone?
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Station XV: Birthday Interview with Bishop Gielen
In a special treat for 15th Station listeners, James interviews Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen as New Zealand marks its patronal feast day: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That was why this podcast launched on August 15 — all the way back in 2007. Bishop Michael speaks about the re-dedication of New Zealand to Our Lady, the power of prayer and the effects of the pandemic on life and faith. You can find the full August 2021 episode of The 15th Station at www.station15.co.nz
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Station XV: Episode 165 — Our 14th Birthday!!
As The 15th Station celebrates our 14th birthday, we open the episode with a special guest: Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen. Bishop Michael talks with James about COVID-19, the re-dedication of New Zealand to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and the power of prayer. The regular panel of Anna, Don and Gavin then joins the show for the usual array of “hot topics”, which this month means the Australian Census, parish research in New Zealand and the Pope’s motu proprio on the Traditional Latin Mass. Welcome to new listeners, whether they’re here on earth or further afield. (It will make sense when you listen.) Thanks for joining us for our birthday celebration.
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Station XV: Episode 164 — Eucharist and University, Hospital and Hero
The US Bishops and President Joe Biden continue to be pitted against one another, with an upcoming document on the Eucharist seen as a shot across Biden’s bow. But is it just a teaching document on a key topic? Anna, Don, James and Gavin discuss that, as well as the ongoing story of Canadian residential schools and the Catholic Church, hopes for a Catholic university in New Zealand and Pope Francis’ recent surgery. Maybe we just need a hero. Will Spider-Man do? Thanks for listening to The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 163 — Consultation, Cardinal, Canada, Canon Law
Pope Francis has just announced that there will be a three-year buildup to the next Synod of Bishops, inviting Catholics around the world to share their thoughts on Church affairs. Will it be a valuable process? Or just set people up for disappointment? In Germany, there was a mix of excitement and disappointment when Cardinal Reinhard Marx offered his resignation, but Pope Francis didn’t accept that offer. Anna, Don, James and Gavin tackle those topics, as well as the news of more than 200 bodies being found at a Canadian residential school the Church helped run and changes announced to canon law. In the light story for the month, the panel marvels at a Scottish shed that’s a spiritual home for Catholics — in many parts of the world. Enjoy the show and, if you like it, tell your friends about The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 162 — Communion, Conscience, Cathedral, Careerism
As debate rages in the US over the reception of Communion by some Catholic politicians, the panels weighs in on the hot-button topic. Anna, Don, James and Gavin also look at two major stories in New Zealand — the reluctance of medical workers to participate in euthanasia and the impending construction of a new cathedral in Christchurch. They also discuss Pope Francis’ words of wisdom to newly-ordained priests, although it seems to be good advice for all. It’s a shame a certain fashion designer wasn’t getting such good advice…
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Station XV: Episode 161 — Sorrow, Surety, Suffering, Shrine
New Zealand’s Royal Commission into abuse in care continues to dominate the Church’s agenda, with Cardinal John Dew issuing an apology on behalf of dioceses and religious orders. In Rome, there has been some clarity offered around the Church’s inability to bless same-sex unions, as well as a plea for greater openness to support people affected by environmental challenges. Back in New Zealand, the country will be re-dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven on her feast day this August, following a pilgrimage through the country. And in “entertainment news”, it appears the Borat sequel might have had a positive impact on one Christian community that was the butt of the mockumentary’s jokes. Another month, another journey around the Catholic world with Anna, Don, James and Gavin.
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Station XV: Episode 160 — Two Popes, a Prime Minister and some seagulls
Pope Francis’ historic and courageous trip to Iraq and reflections on Pope Benedict’s historic resignation from the papacy eight years ago feature prominently in this month’s episode. There’s also an ongoing debate in Australia about religious freedom as it relates to employment, including in schools. A former prime minister has entered the fray. Maybe a quick flick through the Bible will help all of us feel a little better? A flock of seagulls (not the band) is certainly not helping in Christchurch. Yes, it’s a little weird and wonderful as Anna, Don, James and Gavin come together this month.
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Station XV: Episode 159 — Division, Rejection, Conversion, Confusion
The candidacy and election of Catholic Joe Biden has divided opinion within the Church, so his inauguration was destined to be similar — and it certainly was. Anna, Donald, James and Gavin discuss the various statements issued on inauguration day, and the subsequent fallout. In Rome, Pope Francis has spoken out against those who have rejected Vatican II, saying they are outside the Church, and he has also made a ground-breaking appointment to a Vatican body. In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is set to pursue a controversial ban on “gay conversion therapy”, but the panel wonders what that even means. The Vatican’s social media managers are also confused — about the Pope’s Instagram account. A show packed with new and analysis, as always.
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Station XV: Episode 158 — Capitol, COVID, Coadjutor, Chesterton
The violent protests at the Capitol building in Washington, DC shocked the world, including many prominent Catholic leaders, as well as our panel. What does it all mean? Who was at fault? Anna, Don, James and Gavin seek to answer some of those questions, as well as some serious moral questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and the advice of the New Zealand bishops. Staying in New Zealand, the Archdiocese of Wellington has a new Coadjutor Bishop, with Bishop Paul Martin SM getting the call from Pope Francis on New Year’s Day. The panel also discusses Pope Francis’ comments on worship, made on the Feast of the Epiphany, and if you’re looking for gifts for next Christmas, we might have a suggestion. Enjoy the show — and Happy New Year!
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